Valley events celebrate life, legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
ASU faculty member Charles St. Clair will read an inspirational rendition of the “I Have a Dream” speech Jan. 21 at ASU West in Phoenix.
(Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU Now, provided by ASU West)
From volunteering in the community to recognizing people upholding the values of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., events are planned throughout the Valley in honor of the man who stood for unity and justice.
Despite a controversial start during its initial inception in Arizona to recognize the federal MLK Day holiday in the state, activities promoting community have since grown in popularity. Many Arizona municipalities celebrate the civil rights leader’s birthday earlier and earlier in January with a plethora of parades, programs, and more.
Born Jan. 15, 1929, King’s birthday is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January each year due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, a U.S. law allowing three-day weekends by moving federal holidays to Mondays to benefit federal workers, according to published reports.
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From volunteering in the community to recognizing people upholding the values of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., events are planned throughout the Valley in honor of the man who stood for unity and justice.
Despite a controversial start during its initial inception in Arizona to recognize the federal MLK Day holiday in the state, activities promoting community have since grown in popularity. Many Arizona municipalities celebrate the civil rights leader’s birthday earlier and earlier in January with a plethora of parades, programs, and more.
Born Jan. 15, 1929, King’s birthday is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January each year due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, a U.S. law allowing three-day weekends by moving federal holidays to Mondays to benefit federal workers, according to published reports.
The last state in the country to formally adopt the MLK holiday, the day was not always an Arizona-embraced holiday.
After federal legislation was passed to recognize the holiday in 1983, and first observed in 1986, Arizona was embroiled in conflict as then Gov. Bruce Babbitt initiated efforts to install the holiday in 1986.
It was rescinded by former Gov. Evan Mecham in 1987, until a few boycotts began and people of all races and backgrounds banned together to force passing the 1992 legislation for the holiday, according to published reports, noting how the NFL kept the 1993 Super Bowl from being hosted in Phoenix until the holiday was tentatively accepted, and Phoenix got hosting privileges for the 1996 Super Bowl.
Since then, MLK interests spread from the oldest and original festivities being held in Phoenix to communities Valleywide commemorating the late reverend’s life and legacy with its own celebrations such as follows:
Scottsdale
Community Celebrating Diversity – MLK Celebration
Thursday, Jan. 15, Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale
Beginning 5:30 p.m., the 32nd annual MLK Celebration event will be held. The featured speaker will be Dr. Mary Frances Berry, an activist for civil rights, gender equality and social justice equal rights and liberties. The first woman to head a major research university as chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder, she is the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Chairperson of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, Berry led the charge for equal rights and liberties for all Americans during four presidential administrations. She also became the first woman of any race to head a major research university as chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder. Details: https://www.ccdarizona.org; https://www.ccdarizona.org/mlk-events
Chandler
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Awards Ceremony
Friday, Jan. 16, Chandler City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago Street, Chandler
Starting at 4 p.m., with opening remarks by Tondra Richardson as emcee, the national anthems performed by Sandra Bassett, and Mayor Kevin Hartke’s welcome address, the city of Chandler hosts its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events to honor the community’s heritage and diversity. Celebrate contributions of Chandler-area residents of all ages promoting human and civil rights, and championing a socially just, compassionate community. After the ceremony, guests are invited to a reception at the Vision Gallery at Chandler City Hall. Email Adrianna Erickson: adrianna.erickson@chandleraz.gov; or call 480-782-2224 for questions. Details: https://www.chandleraz.gov/events/dr-martin-luther-king-junior-awards-ceremony.
Peoria
A Celebration of Unity, Service, and Hope: Peoria Honors Dr. King
Saturday, Jan.17, Centennial Plaza Peoria, 8401 W. Monroe Street, Peoria
The city of Peoria invites residents of all ages to “Unity in Peoria – Celebrating the Dream of Martin Luther King Jr.,” a free, family-friendly community celebration 2-5 p.m. honoring King. Featured will be live music and performances by local artists, cultural and arts-based activities, children’s crafts, and community resource tables hosted by local nonprofit organizations and city departments. The program opens with the national anthem performed by Breanna Pettiette, followed by the Buffalo Soldiers of Arizona posting the colors. In addition to spoken word, there will be step team performances, food trucks on site with complimentary small bites while supplies last and other menu options for purchase.
Details: https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/arts-culture/special-events/mlk-jr-day-events
Chandler
Multicultural Festival
Saturday, Jan. 17, Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler
The 31st annual Chandler Multicultural Festival will be held 11 a.m.-6 p.m. as part of the annual Celebration of Unity events to honor the community’s heritage and diversity, with the spirit of MLK. There will be live cultural entertainment from around the world, various ethnic cuisines, Cruiser Car Show featuring People’s Choice Award voting, Arizona Cardinals Experience – fun, interactive activities for sports fans and families, Final 4 Trophy display – collect charms including a free key chain, enjoy face painting, bounce houses and more to celebrate the essence of the community through its music, traditions and stories. Free.
Details: https://www.chandleraz.gov/events/chandler-multicultural-festival
Surprise
The 10th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration & Service
Saturday, Jan. 17, Willow Canyon High School, 17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise
From 8–9 a.m. is the breakfast and volunteer check-in; 9–10 a.m. is the celebration program with local artists, musicians and speakers; 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Day of Service projects to benefit the community. Details: https://www.surpriseaz.gov
Phoenix
MLK 2026 Weekend of Service: Enhancing Encanto Park
Sunday, Jan. 18, Encanto Park
City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department
Volunteer through HandsOn Greater Phoenix 9-11 a.m. while working with fellow community members to help clean and beautify the park. Wear closed-toe shoes. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are encouraged. Bring a reusable water bottle or sports drink to stay hydrated during the project.
Email molly@handsonphoenix.org for a signed waiver of liability by the Thursday prior to the project date. Responsible youths over age 10 are welcome with a parent or guardian, those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. A youth permission slip must be completed for each child even if accompanied by an adult and emailed to molly@handsonphoenix.org by the Thursday before the project date.
40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March & Festival
Monday, Jan. 19, East Lake Park and Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix
On the official MLK Day holiday, the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee will celebrate its 40th year promoting cultural diversity, awareness and unity for all impacted by his legacy and contributions he left while seeking equality for Black people.
Gatherers assemble 8:45 a.m. to start the MLK March at 9 a.m. from Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson Street and ending at Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, in Phoenix. The MLK festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the park, features food, entertainment and more.
For information on the city of Phoenix MLK events: www.azmlk.org or email info@azmlk.org. Details: https://azmlk.org/
The Greater Phoenix Urban League 32nd annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser – Golf with Purpose Urban League Tournament Fundraiser
Monday, Jan. 19
Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale.
Now named the Golf with Purpose Urban League Tournament Fundraiser, the tournament is on the MLK holiday. Registration and breakfast begins 8:30 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start, and a post-tournament celebration with food and festivities for all participants. Tournament proceeds benefit GPUL programs, including education initiatives, homeownership assistance, job readiness and workforce development for underserved communities. This year’s tournament gives supporters a way to stand with GPUL in continuing King’s work uplifting communities and ensuring every person has opportunities.
The Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee with the city of Mesa will host the city’s annual event that attracts community members, leaders, and organizations to honor the life and work of King. The MLK Parade begins 11 a.m. at MLK Way and Center Street in downtown Mesa. The festival runs 12-4 p.m. in the Plaza at Mesa City Center. Enjoy food, support local businesses and learn about community organizations. Details: www.mesaevmlk.org.
Anthem
Anthem MLK Day Celebration Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Unity Walk 2026
Monday, Jan. 19, Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way
Celebrate the life and work of King starting at 10 a.m. including a unity walk, which shows “the power of individuals and the community to make a positive difference.” Participants should wear proper footwear for the one-mile path on cement and other paved, manmade materials. The event features free continental breakfast starting at 9 a.m.; Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck (fees); MLK-inspired puzzles, crafts, and coloring available for children. Visit the non-profit booths in the Community Room to learn about local efforts to help those in need
Several nonprofits will be present and collecting donations. Details: anthemcouncil.com.
Phoenix
35th Annual MLK March on West
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Arizona State University West Valley campus - SDFC lawn
Tributes and recognition of King and the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement have been celebrated at ASU before the holiday was celebrated in Arizona. The 9 a.m.-noon celebration includes an awards ceremony for the Arizona K-12 students winners of the statewide essay-poster contest. The 35th annual MLK March on West is a children’s march on the West Valley campus, a tradition at ASU’s West Valley campus since 1991 to celebrate the King’s and highlight the history-changing 1963 March on Washington. The event includes educational presentations about the history of the civil rights movement, a musical program and an inspirational rendition of the “I Have a Dream” speech by ASU faculty member Charles St. Clair. 100 Black Men of Phoenix is sponsoring a free pizza lunch for march participants.
Meet Delarita Delarita Ford originally joined Independent Newspapers Incorporated, now Independent Newsmedia, Inc. USA in 1997, as a general assignment reporter for the Delaware State News daily paper after starting her journalism career in Maryland in 1994, where she honed her skills by writing obituaries, covering community news from births to deaths, education to legislation and more. As a reporter, she has had the opportunity to cover sitting and former U.S. presidential visits in Baltimore, Delaware, and Arizona.
Community: One of the few seasoned journalists who still enjoys covering community events, she can be found with a reporter’s pad taking notes, her phone taking pictures while capturing life’s moments to memorialize them in print for the local newspapers and for the active-adult community where she lives. She maintains a presence with the Black media and the National Association of Black Journalists to encourage peers, socialize, and mentor younger writers.
Education: Life learner who learns from life. Aside from the collegiate education received, she got the best training from on-the-job experience with former editors who went through copy with a red pen and demanded the best writing for hard news and feature stories.
Random Fact: While a Delaware State News reporter, she could call then Sen. Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, usually late at night if a quote or input was needed for varying topics, including legislation and education.
Hobbies: Adopt rescue dogs and give them a nice home. Continuously read and critique news stories from various platforms.
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